Side by side
Denemo vs StaffPad
Both stand on music notation software. Which one you can start free with, which one lets you read the code, and what each costs once you pay.
Free plan LinuxMacWindows
Choose Denemo if you want free desktop notation software with multiple input methods, music formats, and audio or MIDI export. Look elsewhere if you need its LilyPond parser to handle many third-party LilyPond files.
Visit Denemo Free plan iPhoneMacWindows
StaffPad combines handwritten score entry with playback, audio tools, and several export formats. Check the device requirements and Reader's editing limits before choosing it.
Visit StaffPadThe facts
| Denemo | StaffPad | |
|---|---|---|
| Free plan | Yes | Yes |
| Open source | Not published | Not published |
| Runs on | Linux, Mac, Windows | iPhone, Mac, Windows |
| Lowest paid plan | Free or on request | StaffPad: $49.99, paid once |
| Plans published | 1 | 3 |
| Maker | Not published | Not published |
| Website | denemo.org | staffpad.net |
| On music notation software | #9 of 38 | #13 of 38 |
Denemo: what it does well
- Free to use, share, and change under the GPL.
- Runs on Linux, macOS, and Windows.
- Accepts input from a keyboard, MIDI controller, mouse, or microphone.
- Imports MIDI, LilyPond, and MusicXML.
- Prints scores and exports images, MIDI, OGG, or WAV files.
What to know first
- The LilyPond parser does not work on many third-party LilyPond files.
- Some download links still point to version 2.2.
StaffPad: what it does well
- Handwriting recognition creates typeset scores.
- Playback includes more than 55 instruments.
- Exports audio, MIDI, MusicXML, and PDF.
- ScoreSync works on local Wi-Fi without internet.
- Scores stay local rather than in cloud storage.
What to know first
- Android is not supported.
- StaffPad is available only in English.
- Apple Silicon Macs cannot be used to write notation.
- Reader cannot edit music beyond ink annotations.
Alternatives to Denemo Alternatives to StaffPad The whole list